Rise Up Theme Propels RMCP’s Hope Matinee

More than just a luncheon with talented entertainers and Gov. John Hickenlooper in attendance, Hope Matinee’s “Rise Up” theme was impactful. Even while addressing mental illness and substance abuse issues, the event’s mood remained positive, with messages such as gratitude, empathy, understanding and giving back. While organizers appreciated needed donations, they also asked that important messages continue beyond the event: We can openly talk about mental illness. It’s OK to ask for help. And, most importantly, there are resources are available—as close as a phone call to one of Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners’ hotlines.

CEO Bev Marquez greets Gov. John Hickenlooper

On Thursday, April 21, more than 200 supporters of RMCP met at Mile High Station for the lunchtime fundraiser. After a short time to greet old friends, the group sat down to a lunch entrées provided by 240 Union, with desserts from Harvest Moon Bakery. Kim Christiansen, 9News anchor/reporter was emcee for the lunchtime program that featured Gov. John Hickenlooper honored with the Hope in Crisis Award for his efforts to unite mental health organizations statewide. CEO Bev Marquez and RMCP’s Tammy Cunningham made the presentation. In a short talk, Hickenlooper emphasized how important it is for mental health services to be accessible for patients at medical health clinics.

School of Breaking performers

A riveting live-dance performance by students at School of Breaking was choreographed to complement audio that represented one of the thousands of calls placed at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (RMCP is the central Colorado call center for state area codes that access this lifeline). Vocalist Sophia Rodriguez was featured as soloist. The performance was followed by a real-life caller who talked in detail about her positive experience using the suicide-prevention line. RMCP’s event coordinator Tammy Cunningham, along with Rikki Allen, were honored for their hard work, as was Kim Christiansen. Marquez displayed one of three specially made Rise Up bracelets available for silent-auction bid, and guests were encouraged to contribute to the Rise Up art piece. The poster was a work-in-progress throughout the event, made up of words and drawings of how people were able to rise up in their own life.

RMCP is a statewide, 24/7, year-round community-based system of crisis intervention services from which people experience mental health and/or substance abuse crises can be assessed, safely and effectively stabilized, and efficiently linked to appropriate follow up care and services. The nonprofit offers skilled, hope-filled care to individuals and families in crisis. RMCP believes that whether it is the first or one of many experiences, if treated in an atmosphere of respect and compassion, crisis can be a unique opportunity for individuals and families to connect to life-changing treatment, support and education.

Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners operates the Colorado Crisis Services Crisis Line and Support Line, provides an extensive Program Services Directory, and offers LiveConnect Services; among other services that include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Follow-Up Services. Most people who call Lifeline’s numbers 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK from Colorado area codes have their calls answered here.

For more information, please visit http://www.metrocrisisservices.org/.